COMEDY legend Richard Pryor was killed by a heart attack last night following a 19-year battle against multiple sclerosis.

Pryor, 65, who had also fought valiantly against booze and drug addiction, passed away at a hospital in California with wife Jennifer Lee at his bedside.

She said: "His comedy is unparalleled - they say you are not a comic unless you imitate Richard. He could turn his pain into comedy."

She added: "He was an extraordinary man. He enjoyed life right up until the end."

Pryor starred in classic film comedies including Brewster's Millions and alongside his pal Gene Wilder in Stir Crazy.

He was born in Peoria, Illinois, and grew up in his granny's brothel.

He went on to marry eight times - twice to Jennifer - and had seven children.

At the height of his fame he became a cocaine-snorting hellraiser and almost died after setting himself on fire while taking the drug. But unbowed, he joked: "I'm not addicted - I just like the way it smells."

Pryor was inspired by fellow black comedian Bill Cosby to try his luck as a stand-up comic in New York in 1963.

He was soon performing on the same bill as Bob Dylan.

He later turned to films, starring in The Busy Body and Lady Sings the Blues.